US ski giant to acquire first resort in Australia.
Vail Resorts this morning announced its first international acquisition, with the $176.6 million purchase of Perisher Ski Resort in NSW, Australia.
The company is purchasing 100% of the Perisher operating companies, Murray Publishers Pty Ltd and Transfield Corporate Pty Ltd, with the deal including the resort areas known as Perisher Valley, Smiggin Holes, Blue Cow and Guthega.
It also covers the resort’s various ski school, lodging, food and beverage, retail/rental and transportation operations, with Vail Resorts ceo Rob Katz saying the acquisition of Perisher is a “significant milestone for our company”.
“We’re thrilled to welcome the guests and employees of Perisher, Australia’s largest and most iconic resort, into the Vail Resorts family and deepen ties with one of our most important international markets,” he said.
“This acquisition is part of Vail Resorts’ continued strategy to drive season pass sales and build loyalty with guests from around the world”.
Effective immediately Perisher has reopened season pass sales for the upcoming season which commences 06 June, with the $749 “Freedom Pass” also now including unlimited skiing at Breckenridge, Keystone and Arapahoe Basin in Colorado; Park City and Canyons in Utah; and Northstar and Kirkwood in Lake Tahoe – plus ten free days of skiing at Vail and Beaver Creek in Colorado.
More information in today’s issue of Travel Daily.